Games Programming with foundation year

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

Interested in using your talent for maths and physics in the interactive entertainment industry? Our Games Programming with foundation year degree focuses on the technical aspects of games production for the PC, mobile and virtual reality games markets. We aim to equip you with the skills (especially programming in C++) to join this exciting and dynamic industry.

Offering a broad education in games programming, design, development and technology, our BSc (Hons) Games Programming with foundation year degree emphasises the technical aspects of game production.

We’ll introduce you to many aspects of computing in the foundation year including programming using Python, Wiring or a similar language. We assume no prior knowledge of programming but a good knowledge of mathematics, especially algebra, will help you succeed. We’ll also explore how to take a logical approach to problem-solving and the fundamentals of research, as part of your preparation for degree-level study.

We aim for you to become a skilled programmer and you’ll use C++, the principal programming language in the games industry, after the foundation year. We’ll guide and support you throughout your studies to help you master object-orientated programming and design techniques, and learn about advanced programming data structures and algorithms for game development.

Games and interactive applications are becoming more cinematic in look and feel so we teach maths and physics in a practical way to help you learn to create 2D and 3D environments where behaviour and movement look realistic. You’ll also have opportunities to gain experience in multi-platform programming and artificial intelligence techniques used in the development of efficient and robust games.